Closure System For Reversibly Connecting Items Of Athletic Wear

ABSTRACT

A closure system for reversibly connecting interchangeable items of athletic wear includes at least one elongate connector. The connector has an anchor point attaching the connector to a first piece of athletic wear. The anchor point is located at a first end of the connector and defines a point about which a second end of the connector is angularly displaceable. At least one locking point is located on the first piece of athletic wear. The locking point is reversibly mateable with a locking point coupler located at the second end of the connector. At least one engagement point located on a second piece of athletic wear is capable of reversibly engaging a portion of the connector. When the locking point coupler is mated to the locking point, the connector and engagement point hold the first and second pieces of athletic wear towards one another.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/411,472 filed Nov. 8, 2010.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a closure system configured to releasablyengage two pieces of athletic wear.

BACKGROUND

Clothing often shifts positions during wear. An athlete's uniform shirtor compressive shirt often shifts during sports competitions. Forexample, at the beginning of a soccer game, a soccer player typicallytucks his shirt into his shorts in order to adhere to a dress code orprevent an opponent from pulling on his or her shirt during the game.Throughout the game, as the athlete engages in sudden physicalmovements, such as running and jumping, the athlete's shirt oftenbecomes un-tucked from his or her shorts. This can result in a violationof a league dress code or an opportunity for an opponent to tug at theathlete's loose shirt.

The present invention is directed to a device that releasably securestwo adjacent pieces of athletic wear in place with respect to oneanother in order to prevent the pieces of athletic wear from shiftingdrastically while still permitting the wearer to move freely. As anathlete may desire uniform changes, the pieces of athletic wear may beinterchanged with fresh pieces of athletic wear, or pieces of athleticwear having different colors, sizes, or designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a closure system for reversiblyconnecting interchangeable items of athletic wear. The closure systemcomprises an elongate connector which is anchored to a first piece ofathletic wear at an anchor point. The anchor point is located at a firstend of the elongate connector and defines an axis or point about whichthe second end of the elongate connector is angularly displaceable. Thefirst piece of athletic wear also has at least one locking point whichmay reversibly mate with a locking point coupler located at the secondend of the elongate connector. A second piece of athletic wear has atleast one engagement point which is capable of reversibly engaging aportion of the elongate connector. When the locking coupler is mated tothe locking point, the elongate connector and the engagement point holdthe first and second pieces of athletic wear together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part ofthe specification, illustrate some embodiments of the present inventionand together with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention usedin conjunction with first and second pieces of athletic attire.

FIG. 2 shows a detail of the engagement point of an embodiment attachedto a piece of athletic attire.

FIG. 3 shows a detail of the elongate connector of one embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a detail of one embodiment of the elongate connector.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of the elongate connector of FIG. 4 alongline A-A.

FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment of the closure system.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of the locking flap taken along line B-B ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 7A shows an alternate embodiment of the locking flap of FIGS. 6 &7.

FIG. 8 shows the elongate connector, engagement point, and locking flapof the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 in an open, unfastened,detached position.

FIG. 9 shows the closure system in a semi-attached position.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show details of the closure system in semi-attachedpositions.

FIG. 12 shows the closure system in a closed, semi-secured position.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the closure system in a closed,secured, fastened position.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate alternate side views of the closure system ina closed, secured, fastened position.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the closure system in aclosed, secured, fastened position.

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of the closure system in a closed,secured, fastened position.

FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom view of the closure system in a closed,secured, fastened position.

FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 show an additional embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show the embodiment of FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 where theclosure system is in a closed position.

FIG. 25 shows another embodiment where the elongate connector isembodied as a strap, and the locking point and locking point coupler areembodied as latch and track connectors.

FIGS. 26, 27 and 28 show cross-sectional views of the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 25 along axis C-C as the closure system is moved froman unfastened to a secure configuration.

FIG. 29 depicts an embodiment where the locking point and locking pointcoupler are embodied as eye and hook connectors.

FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment depicted in FIG.29 along axis D-D.

FIGS. 31 and 32 show an alternate embodiment of the eye and hookconnector depicted in FIG. 29.

FIGS. 33-35 show a cross-sectional view of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 29-30 as the closure system is moved from an unfastened to asecured configuration as viewed along axis D-D.

FIG. 35 shows an embodiment of the closure system where the lockingpoint and locking point coupler are depicted as corresponding sides of azipper connection.

FIG. 36 shows the embodiment depicted in FIG. 35 when a fully-zipperedconnection is formed between the anchoring point and anchoring pointcoupler, maintaining the closure system in a secure configuration.

FIG. 37 shows an embodiment of the closure system for athletic attirewhere the locking point and locking point coupler are oppositely chargedmagnets.

FIG. 38 shows a cross section of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 37along axis E-E, wherein the locking point and locking point coupler areengaged to form a magnetic connection, maintaining the closure system ina secure configuration.

FIG. 39 shows an embodiment of the closure system for athletic wearwhere the locking point and locking point coupler are corresponding maleand female portions of a snap fastener.

FIG. 40 shows a cross of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 39 along axisF-F, wherein the locking point and locking point coupler are engaged toform a snap fastener connection, maintaining the closure system in asecure configuration.

FIG. 41 shows an embodiment of the closure system for athletic wearwhere the elongate connector is a loop of flexible material, and whereinthe locking point is a toggle.

FIG. 42 shows an embodiment of the closure system depicted in FIG. 41,wherein the locking point is a plastic bollard.

FIGS. 43-44 show cross-sectional views of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 41 along axis G-G as the closure system is moved from an unfastenedto a secure configuration.

FIG. 45 shows an embodiment of the closure system for athletic wearwhere a plurality of engagement points are provided as reinforced slits.

FIG. 46 shows an embodiment of the closure system for athletic wearwhere the engagement points are provided by a continuous lace housedwithin a piece of athletic attire.

FIG. 47 shows an embodiment of the closure system for athletic weardepicted in FIG. 46, wherein the engagement points may be tightened andloosened, and a series of eyelets aid in securing the continuous lace.

FIG. 48 shows an embodiment of the closure system for athletic weardepicted in FIG. 46, wherein the engagement points may be tightened andloosened, and the continuous lace is secured via hook and loopfasteners.

FIG. 49 shows an alternate embodiment of the locking flap.

FIG. 50 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 shows an additional embodiment of the closure system forathletic wear depicted in FIG. 50 where an additional snap connectorsystem is provided.

FIGS. 52-53 show an additional embodiment of the connector system wherea plurality of engagement point loops are provided in addition to theengagement point slits.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description ofthe embodiments of the present invention and is not intended torepresent the only form in which the present invention may beconstructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions andsequences of steps for constructing and using the invention. It is to beunderstood however that the same or equivalent functions and sequencesmay be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are alsointended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. Likereference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a closure system for athletic wear 1, having anelongate connector 4, and an engagement point 5. The closure system 1 isused to releasably attach first and second pieces of athletic wear 2 and3, such as a pair of shorts and a shirt. The closure system's 1 elongateconnector 4 is releasably attached to a first piece of athletic wear 2.The closure system's 1 engagement point 5 is releasably attached to asecond piece of athletic wear 3. The first and second pieces of athleticwear 2 and 3 may be made of any material known in the art, such as acompression fabric. FIG. 1 illustrates the closure system 1 in an openposition, before the engagement point 5 is engaged by the elongateconnector 4 which, when joined together, releasably secure the garmentsto one another.

FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up front view of an embodiment of the closuresystems 1 engagement point 5 when it is attached to a second piece ofathletic attire 3, before it is engaged by elongate connector 4. Theembodiment of the engagement point 5 depicted in FIG. 2 has alongitudinal strip 5 b that is secured to the second piece of athleticattire 3 at its distal ends 5 c by, for example, a threaded or a gluedconnection. The longitudinal strip 5 b may be made of a flexiblematerial including but not limited to an elastic material that haspolyamide, polyester, polypropylene, or elastane fibers, such as Lycra,or any other flexible material. When the longitudinal strip 5 b issecured to the second piece of athletic attire 3 at its distal ends 5 c,the longitudinal strip 5 b and second piece of athletic attire 3 formengagement point 5, which encloses an aperture 5 a.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up front view of the elongate connector 4 ofthe closure system 1 attached to a first piece of athletic wear 2 whenthe closure system 1 is in an open position, before the elongateconnector 4 engages the engagement point 5. As in FIG. 2, the firstpiece of athletic wear 2 is adjacent to and separate from the secondpiece of athletic wear 3. The elongate connector 4 may be affixeddirectly to the first piece of athletic wear 2 at an anchor pint 7 by,for example, a threaded or glued connection. Alternatively, the elongateconnector 4 may be affixed to the waistband or hem of a piece ofathletic wear. The elongate connector 4 may be made of a thin, flexiblematerial, including but not limited to an elastic material which haspolyamide, polyester, polypropylene, or elastane fibers, such as Lycra,or any other flexible material.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a close up of one embodiment of the closuresystem for athletic wear. FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of theelongate connector 4 where the elongate connector 4 is depicted as astrap of flexible material. FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view ofthe elongate connector taken along line A-A of FIG. 4. In the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 4-5, the elongate connector 4 is attached to the firstpiece of athletic wear at a proximal end by an anchor point 7, and alocking point 6 is positioned adjacent the anchor point 7. A lockingpoint coupler 8 is disposed on the distal end of the elongate connector4. The locking point 6 and the locking point coupler 8 may be integralwith, or detachably connected to the elongate connector 4. The lockingpoint 6 is affixed to the first piece of athletic wear 2 and may be madeof one continuous piece of material or alternatively separate pieces ofmaterial affixed to the piece of athletic wear 2 adjacent to oneanother. The elongate connector 4 has an inner surface 4 a. The lockingpoint coupler 8 is located on the inner surface 4 a at the distal end ofthe elongate connector 4 opposite the anchoring point 7. The lockingpoint coupler 8 is angularly displaceable and moves loosely when theclosure system is unfastened. In one embodiment of the closure systemfor athletic wear, the locking point 6, and anchoring point 7 areaffixed to the first piece of athletic attire 2 at the waistband 9.While the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-5 illustrates an embodimentwhere the locking point is located adjacent the anchoring point 7 theclosure system may be configured such that the locking point 6 andanchor point 7 are spaced apart.

The locking point 6 and the locking point coupler 8 are reversiblymateable. In the embodiment of the closure system depicted in FIGS. 1-7the locking point and locking point coupler are corresponding mateableportions of hook and loop fasteners. The locking point 6 and lockingpoint coupler 8 are configured to be able to releasably adhere to oneanother. For example, if locking point 6 contains a loop fastener,locking point coupler 8 contains a hook fastener and vice versa, so asto permit engagement with loop fastener of locking point 6.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the closure systemfor athletic attire where an additional locking flap 110 is provided topromote a more secure connection between the locking point 106 andlocking point coupler 108. FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of thealternate embodiment of the closure system 100. The locking flap 110 ofthe illustrated embodiment may be made of a thin, flexible materialincluding but not limited to an elastic material that has polyamide,polyester, polypropylene, or elastane fibers. In the embodiment depictedin FIG. 6, the locking flap 110 is a generally rectangular piece ofmaterial, though the closure system may employ other shapes withoutdetracting from the advantages described herein. The locking flap 110 isattached to the first piece of athletic attire 102 at an attachmentpoint 112 adjacent to the elongate connector 104 at the anchor point107. The attachment point 112 may be, for example, a sewn or gluedconnection. The locking flap 112 is angularly displaceable around theattachment point 112. The locking flap 110 additionally has an interiorsurface 114, and a locking flap fastener 116 is located on the interiorsurface 114. A corresponding locking flap fastener 118 is attached tothe first piece of athletic wear 102 so that the anchor point 106 ispositioned between the attachment point 112 of the locking flap and thelocking fastener 118. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7locking flap fasteners 116 and 118 are corresponding mateable portionsof hook and loop fasteners.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the alternate embodiment ofthe closure system 100 taken along line B-B of Fig., 6 when the lockingpoint coupler 108 is mated to the locking point 106, and the lockingflap fasteners 116 and 118 of locking flap 110 are mated. As depicted inFIG. 7, the interior surface 114 of locking flap 110 is biased againstan exterior surface of the elongate connector 104 b.

In an additional embodiment depicted in FIG. 7A, the locking point 106and locking point coupler 108 are connected, while the locking flapfasteners 116 and 118 are unsecured. When the closure system 100 isconfigured in this manner, the exterior of the elongate connector 104 bis exposed. The additional embodiment in FIG. 7A illustratessupplemental locking members 120 and 122 disposed on the locking flap110 and the exterior surface of the elongate connector 104 b.Supplemental locking member 120 is disposed on the interior surface 114of locking flap 110, while supplemental locking flap member 122 islocated on the exterior surface of the elongate connector 104 b. In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 7 a the supplemental locking members 120 and122 are illustrated as corresponding mateable portions of a hook andloop connector.

FIG. 8 illustrates the closure system for athletic wear 100 in an open,unfastened position where the elongate connector 104 and locking flap110 approach the engagement point 105, immediately before the elongateconnector 104 passes through the engagement point 105.

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 illustrate a front view of the closure system forathletic wear 100 as it is moved from an unfastened position to asemi-secured position. The elongate connector 104 begins to engage theengagement point 105 when it is passed through the aperture 105 abetween the longitudinal strip 105 b and the second piece of athleticattire 103 to which the engagement point 105 is affixed. The elongateconnector 104 is passed through the aperture 105 a until the approximatemidpoint between the anchor point 107 of the elongate connector andlocking point coupler 108 is directly below the longitudinal strip 105 bof the engagement point 105. In this position, approximately half of theelongate connector 104 extends outward from each side of the aperture105 a and longitudinal strip 105 b. The locking point coupler 108 isthen folded over the longitudinal strip 105 b at a point that isapproximately midway between the locking point coupler 108 and theanchor point 107. The locking point coupler 108 disposed on the innersurface 104 a of the elongate connector is releasably affixed to thelocking point 106. The method of securing closure system for athleticattire 100 is as follows. First, the elongate connector 104 is placedthrough the engagement point aperture 105 a. Second, the elongateconnector 104 is pulled through the engagement point aperture 105 a sothat the elongate connector is half way through the aperture 105 a or upto the point where the elongate connector 104 is fixed to the firstpiece of athletic wear. A user may adjust the extent to which theelongate connector 104 is pulled through the engagement point aperture105 a in order to accommodate the user's desired level of comfort orperformance. Next, the elongate connector 104 is folded up and over thelongitudinal strip 105 b, and the locking point coupler 108 is pressedagainst the locking point 106 creating a mated connection. Next, thelocking flap 110 is folded over the elongate connector 104.Subsequently, the locking flap fasteners 116 and 118 are secured againstone another by applying pressure to the locking flap 110.

The method of releasing the fastener 100 from a secured position to anunfastened position is accomplished by repeating the steps above in thereverse order. First, the locking flap is pulled away from the lockingflap fasteners. Second, the locking point coupler is pulled away fromthe locking point. Next, the elongate connector 104 is slid back throughthe engagement point 105. The first piece of athletic attire 102 may bepulled away from the second piece of athletic attire 103 withoutdamaging or tearing the closure system. The closure system may besecured and unsecured repeatedly over time without the risk of wear andtear. The use of hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO®, as anchorpoint and anchor point coupler allow the closure system to be repeatedlysecured and unfastened without the risk of wear and loss of adhesivenessover time.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of the closure system for athletic wear100 in a semi-secured position, immediately before the locking pointcoupler 108 engages the locking point 106. The locking point coupler 108is completely folded over the longitudinal strip 104 b and releasablyaffixed to the locking point 106. The hook and loop connectors of thelocking point 106 and locking point coupler 108 are affixed to oneanother when the elongate connector 104 is folded over the engagementpoint 105. The hook and loop connectors of the locking point 106 andlocking point coupler 108, permit locking point 106 and locking pointcoupler 108 to be reversibly fixed to one another. Next, the lockingflap 110 is folded and placed on top of the outer surface 104 b of theelongate connector. The locking flap fastener 116 is pressed againstlocking flap fastener 118. The association between the locking flapfasteners 116 and 118 releasably holds the locking flap 110 against theexterior surface of the elongate connector 104 b, in order to secure theclosure system 100.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the closure system 100 in a securedposition. The locking flap 110 completely covers the exterior surface104 b of the elongate connector 104 after it has been folded over theengagement point 105. The supplemental locking member 120 disposed onthe inner surface 114 of the locking flap and supplemental lockingmember 122 disposed on the surface 104 b of the elongate connectorexterior engage one another and releasably affix the locking flap 110 tothe elongate connector 104. The supplemental locking members 120 and 122may be made of a flexible, adhesive material such as hook and loopfasteners, such as VELCRO®, in order to permit a secure connectionbetween the flap and the fastener when they touch one another.Supplemental locking member 120 is configured to releasably adhere tosupplemental locking member 122, and locking flap fastener 116 isconfigured to releasably adhere to locking flap fastener 118. Forexample, if the supplemental locking member 120 and locking flapfastener 116 contain loop fasteners, supplemental locking member 122 andlocking flap fastener 118 contain hook fasteners and vice versa. In thisexample, locking flap fasteners 116 and 118 and supplemental lockingmembers 120 and 122 will always be the same type of adhesive materials,such as loop fasteners. Alternatively, the locking flap fasteners 116and 118 may be connected directly to the anchor point 107.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate side views of the closure system 100 of FIG.13 in a secured position. The locking flap 110 and elongate connector104 of the illustrated embodiment are both made of a thin, flexible,foldable material such as a material that has polyyamide, polyester,polypropylene, or elastane fibers. When the fastener 100 is in a closed,secured position, the elongate connector 104 extends under thelongitudinal strip 105 b and through the aperture 105 a, up over andacross the top of the longitudinal strip 105 b, and across the lockingpoint 106. The locking flap 110 covers the elongate connector 104 whenit is folded over the engagement point 105 in order to secure theclosure system 100 into a secured position. The figures illustrate theelongate connector 104 and locking flap 110 affixed to a waistband 109of a first piece of athletic attire, however the elongate connector 104and locking flap 110 may be affixed to any part of a piece of athleticwear. FIG. 16 illustrates perspective view of the closure system 100 ofFIG. 13 in a closed, secured, fastened position. FIGS. 17 and 18illustrate top and bottom views, respectively, of the closure system 100of FIG. 13 in a closed, secured, fastened position.

FIG. 19 illustrates an additional embodiment of the present invention.The engagement point 205 has a longitudinal strip 205 b that is securedto a second piece of athletic attire 203 at its distal ends 205 c by,for example, a threaded or a glued connection. The longitudinal strip205 b may be made of a flexible material including but not limited to anelastic material that has polyyamide, polyester, polypropylene, orelastane fibers, such as Lycra. When the longitudinal strip 205 b issecured to the second garment 203 at its distal ends 205 c, thelongitudinal strip 205 b and second piece of athletic wear 203 enclosean aperture 205 a. Elongate connector 204 is attached to a first pieceof athletic wear 202 at anchor point 207. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 19, the anchor point is configured on the waistband 209 of thefirst piece of athletic wear. Locking point 206 and locking pointcoupler 208 are corresponding elements of a reversibly mateableconnector system such as hook and loop fasteners. Locking point coupler208 is disposed on the distal end of the elongate connector 204 on aninner surface 204 a. Locking flap 210 is connected to the first piece ofathletic wear at an attachment point 212. Locking flap 210 ensures amore secure connection between the anchor point 206 and anchor pointcoupler 208 via locking flap fasteners 216 and 218. The closure system200 of the embodiment possesses all of the same elements of the closuresystem 100 depicted in FIGS. 6-18. Though arranged differently withrespect to one another, the elements operate in a similar fashion toproduce identical results as the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 6-18.

FIGS. 20-24 illustrate an additional embodiment of the presentinvention. Groups of closure systems 300 are used collectively to securefirst and second pieces of athletic wear 302, 303 to one another. Thegroup 300 of fasteners provides a stronger connection between thegarments than one single fastener. A group of closure systems 300 areaffixed to the waistband 309 of the first piece of athletic wear 302 atequally spaced distances with respect to one another. The closuresystems in each group 300 each have an elongate connector 304, anengagement point 305, and a locking flap 310. In each closure system,the elongate connector 304 and locking flap 310 are releasably attachedto first piece of athletic wear 302. The elongate connector is attachedto he first piece of athletic wear at anchor point 307. The locking flap310 is connected to the first piece of athletic wear at attachment point312. The engagement point 305 is releasably attached to a second pieceof athletic attire 303. The first and second pieces of athletic wear 302and 303 are preferably athletic clothing, specifically a pair ofathletic shorts and an athletic shirt, and may be made of a stretchfabric material. FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 illustrate the group 300 in anopen position, before the elongate connectors 304 engage the engagementpoints 305. FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate the group 300 in a closed,secured position, after the engagement points 305 are engaged withelongate connector 304 and the locking flap 310 secures the closuresystem 300. Various numbers and arrangements of fasteners may be appliedwithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

An alternate embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 25-28. In the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 25-28 the engagement point is embodied as the flexibleloop 401, while the elongate connector 400 is depicted as a strap. Thelocking point and locking point coupler are depicted as a latch andtrack connector. The latch and track connector may be a scaled downversion of the locking portions provided to reversibly lock a doorchain. As shown, the latch means 402 is depicted as a tab 404 raisedfrom the surface of the elongate connector by a connecting bar 406.Though the tab is depicted as a flat member having an oval shape, one ofskill in the arts will appreciate that a number of differentconfigurations may be used for the latch means while retaining theinventive spirit disclosed herein. The track means 408 comprises ashallow pocket 410 sized to receive the tab 404 of the latch means 402.A narrow slot 412 is formed in the shallow pocket 410 to receive theconnecting bar 406, allowing for the tab 404 to be completely insertedinto the shallow pocket 410.

FIGS. 26-28 shows a cross-sectional view along axis C-C of the latch andtrack embodiment as it is moved from an unfastened to a securedposition. Similar to the process depicted with the hook and loopembodiment, the elongate connector 400 is passed through the engagementpoint 401 at the aperture 403 formed between the second piece ofathletic attire 405 and the engagement point 401. The elongate connector400 is passed through the engagement point 401 until the approximatemidpoint between the anchor point 407 and the latch means 402. Once theelongate connector 400 reaches the approximate midpoint, the elongateconnector is folded back over on itself. At this point, the latch means402, is inserted into the track means 408, and the shallow pocket 410retains the tab 404, maintaining the elongate connector 400 in a securedposition.

Referring to FIGS. 29-34 an eye and hook embodiment is depicted. In thisembodiment, the locking point and locking point coupler comprise an eyeand hook connector system. As depicted, the eye attachment portion 502is a solid ring constructed of plastic, aluminum or another suitable lowcost, lightweight material. The eye portion 502 is removably attachableto the hook portion 504 located on the end of the elongate connector500. In an alternate embodiment depicted in FIGS. 31 and 32, the hookportion 504′ has a spring biased hinge 506′ which allows for more secureattachment to the eye portion 502′.

FIGS. 30 and 33-34 show a cross-sectional view along axis D-D of the eyeand hook embodiment as it is moved from an unfastened to a securedposition. The process is identical to the one described in conjunctionwith the latch and track system above, with the exception that the hookattachment portion 504 engages the eye attachment portion 502. Theelongate connector 500 is passed through the engagement portion 501 atthe aperture 503 formed between the second piece of athletic wear 505and the engagement point 501. The elongate connector 500 is passedthrough the engagement point 501 until the approximate midpoint betweenthe anchor point 507 and the hook connector 502. Once the elongateconnector 500 reaches the approximate midpoint, the elongate connectoris folded back over on itself. At this point, the hook attachment means504, is inserted into the eye attachment means 502, and the eyeattachment means 502 retains the hook attachment means 504 in a securedposition.

Referring to FIGS. 35-36 a zipper embodiment is depicted. In thisembodiment the locking point coupler 604 and locking point 606 comprisemating portions of a zipper connection. In FIGS. 35-36 the elongateconnector 600 is depicted as a generally flat strap. The zipper slider602 is oriented outwardly from the exterior surface of the elongateconnector 600, and a locking point coupler 604 is defined as row ofzipper teeth attached to the distal end of elongate connector 600. Thelocking point 606 is defined as a corresponding row of zipper teeth 606is attached to the proximal end of the elongate connector 600. When thezipper embodiment is moved into a secured position utilizing the sameprocedure described above with respect to the alternate embodiments, thezipper slider 602 and corresponding rows of zipper teeth form a solidzippered connection 608. The solid zippered connection 608 holds thelocking point coupler 604toward the locking point 606 and securesclosure system in a secured position.

Referring to FIGS. 37-38 a magnet embodiment is depicted. In thisembodiment the locking point and locking point coupler compriseoppositely charged magnets, 702 and 704. The oppositely charged magnets702 and 704 are disposed on the interior surface of the elongateconnector 700 though the locking point may be disposed on additionalparts of the first piece of athletic wear without departing from theinventive spirit disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 37, one of themagnet pairs comprising the locking point coupler 702 is attached nearthe distal end of the elongate connector 700 while the correspondingmagnet comprising the locking point is attached near the proximal end ofthe elongate connector 700. When the magnet embodiment is moved into asecured position utilizing the same procedure described above withrespect to the alternate embodiments, the oppositely charged magnetsform a magnetic connection 706. The magnetic connection 706 holds thelocking point coupler of the elongate connector 700 against the lockingpoint, maintaining the athletic attire closure system in a securedposition.

Referring to FIGS. 39-40 a snap fastener embodiment is depicted. In thisembodiment the locking point coupler and locking point comprise male andfemale snap fasteners, 802 and 804 respectively. In the embodiment ofthe fastener depicted in FIG. 39-40 the male portion of the snapfastener 802 is located on the distal end of the elongate connector 800,and the female portion of the snap fastener 804 is located at theanchoring point near the proximal end. When the snap fastener embodimentis moved into a secured position utilizing the same procedure describedabove with respect to the alternate embodiments, the male and femaleportions of the snap fastener mate to form a snap fastener connection806. The snap fastener connection 806 holds the distal end of theelongate connector 800 against the anchoring point maintaining theathletic attire closure system in a secured position.

In an alternate embodiment of the closure system 900 depicted in FIGS.41-44, the elongate connector comprises a loop 902. Bungee cord or aloop of resilient fabric such as Lycra are among the many materials thatmay be used to construct the elongate connector 902. Other suitablematerials may be used to construct the elongate connector 902 withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention, however. The elongateconnector 902 is anchored at two ends, defining an anchor point 907 ofthe elongate connector 902. As depicted in the embodiment shown, alocking point is located between the ends of the anchor point 907. Thelocking point may take the form of a toggle 904 such as is typicallyused in textile manufacturing (FIG. 41). In an alternate embodiment ofthe closure system 900′ a miniature plastic bollard 906′ may also beused to maintain the loop 902′ in a secured position (FIG. 42).

FIGS. 43-44 illustrate the cross sections G-G of the closure system 900as the elongate connector 902 is moved from an unfastened, to a securedposition. Similar to the processes depicted above, the elongateconnector 902 is passed through the aperture 903 created between theengagement point 901 and the second piece of athletic wear 905. Theelongate connector 902 is passed through engagement point 901 until theapproximate midpoint between the anchor point, and a distal end of theelongate connector. Once the elongate connector 902 reaches theapproximate midpoint, the elongate connector 902 is folded back over onitself. At this point, the elongate connector 902 is stretched aroundthe toggle 904.

FIGS. 45-48 illustrate alternate embodiments utilizing a plurality ofengagement portions. In one embodiment of the closure system 1000depicted in FIG. 45, the plurality of engagement portions are reinforcedslits 1001 formed in the first and second pieces of athletic wear 1002and 1003. The elongate connector 1004 weaves between the engagementportions 1001 of the first and second pieces of athletic wear 1002 and1003, forming a zigzag like pattern. In the embodiment depicted in FIG.45 the reinforced slits 1001 are holes cut in the first and secondpieces of athletic wear that are strengthened by stitching. One of skillin the art will appreciate that a number of different ways of creatingreinforced slits will accomplish the same result as the embodimentdescribed. Anchor point 1007 is disposed on the first piece of athleticwear 1002, connecting the elongate connector 1004 to the first piece ofathletic wear. Locking point coupler 1008 is located on distal end ofthe elongate connector 1004. Locking point 1006 is separated from anchorpoint 1007 by engagement points 1001 running the length of the first andsecond pieces of athletic wear 1002 and 1003.

In one embodiment depicted in FIG. 46 the plurality of engagementportions are formed from a continual lace 1100. The continual lace 1100can be disposed within a portion of one of the pieces of athletic wear1101 such as a hem or waistband. At holes 1102 the continual lace 1100exits the interior of the piece of athletic wear 1101 and form loops1104. The continual lace 1100 terminates in lace ends 1106, which exitthe piece of athletic wear at apertures 1108. In one embodiment depictedin FIG. 47, the continual lace 1100 engages eyelets 1110 formed in thepiece of athletic wear, and the loops 1104 can be tightened or loosenedvia the lace ends 1106 and secured via a bowed knot. In anotherembodiment depicted in FIG. 48, the lace ends 1106 are inserted througheyelets 1112 on the second piece of athletic wear 1103 and hook and loopfasteners 1114 secure the continual lace 1100.

FIGS. 49-51 depict alternate embodiments of the locking flap discussedin connection with FIGS. 6-18. The locking flap depicted in FIGS. 50-52has locking flap fasteners 1202 and 1204. As depicted in FIG. 49 thelocking flap 1200 also has an interior 1210. One portion of the lockingflap fasteners 1202 is disposed on the interior surface 1210 of thelocking flap 1200. In FIG. 50 the locking means is a male portion of asnap fastener 1212. The snap fastener 1212 is disposed on the distal endof the locking flap 1200. A corresponding female portion of a snapfastener 1214 is disposed on the same piece of athletic attire as thelocking flap 1200 and anchoring point 1208. As shown in FIG. 50 when thelocking member is configured in the secured position, the male andfemale portions of the snap connector mate forming secure snapconnection 1216. In the secured position the inner surface of thelocking member 1210 compresses the elongate connector 1206.

FIG. 51 depicts an embodiment where two male portions of a snap fastener1302 and 1304 are disposed on the inner surface of the locking member1306. One of the snap fasteners 1302 is disposed toward the distal endof the locking flap 1300 while the other 1304 is disposed more towardsthe proximal end. Female portions of a snap fastener 1307 and 1308correspond to male portions 1302 and 1304 respectively. Female portion1307 is disposed on the exterior surface of the elongate connector 1310.Female portion 1308 is disposed on a piece of athletic attire. When thelocking flap is configured in the secured position, the snap fasteners1302 and 1304 on the inner surface of the locking flap mate with thecorresponding snap fasteners on the surface of the second fasteningportion 1307 and the second piece of athletic attire 1308. A more securelocking mechanism is provided by the additional snap connection formedbetween the second fastening portion and the locking member.

In one embodiment depicted in FIG. 52-53 the connector system 1400 issupplemented by additional portions of the engagement point disposed onthe first piece of athletic wear 1402. As depicted in FIG. 52-53, theengagement point is formed from an engagement point loop 1405 a andengagement point slits 1405 b. The engagement point loop 1405 b isattached to the first piece of athletic wear 1402 at engagement loopanchor points 1405 c. Similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 45, theengagement point slit 1405 b is a reinforced slit in the second piece ofathletic wear 1403. The engagement point slit 1405 b is sized to receivethe engagement loop 1405 a. The closure system for athletic wear 1400 isattached by advancing the first piece of athletic wear 1402 towards thesecond piece of athletic wear 1403, and inserting the engagement loop1405 a into the engagement point slit 1405 b. Once the engagement pointloop 1405 a is inserted into the engagement point slit 1405 b, theengagement point loop 1405 a protrudes from the surface of the secondpiece of athletic wear 1403. The closure system 1400 is secured byinserting the elongate connector 1404 through the engagement point loop1405 a and securing the locking point coupler 1408 to the locking point1406. When the locking point 1406 and locking point coupler 1408 arethus secured, the elongate connector 1404 engages the engagement loop1405 a, the engagement loop holds the holding the first piece ofathletic wear toward the second piece of athletic wear via theengagement loop anchor points 1405 c. The engagement loop 1405 a furtherholds the second piece of athletic wear 1403 towards the first piece ofathletic wear 1402 by engaging the reinforced slits 1405 b in the secondpiece of athletic wear.

An interchangeable kit (not shown) is also contemplated with respects tothe present invention. The kit is composed of a series of shirts andshorts of different sizes, designs, and colors. The shirts and shortsfor the kit each have compatible portions of the closure systemdescribed in the aforementioned embodiments. If the elongate connector,anchor point, and locking flap are located on the shorts in a given kit,then the engagement point is located on the shirt in the same kit. It iscontemplated that the user may swap in and out numerous shirts andshorts of various sizes, colors, or designs, so as to vary the first andsecond pieces of athletic wear to which the elements of the closuresystem are attached.

The embodiments shown depict the various attachment means attached todistal and proximal ends of the second attachment portion. Additionally,the embodiments depict various means for locking on the inner surface ofthe locking member, outer surface of the second attachment portion, andupon the second garment. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the opposite configuration produces similar resultswithout detracting from the inventive spirit disclosed herein.

1. A closure system for reversibly connecting interchangeable items ofathletic wear comprising: at least one elongate connector having ananchor point attaching the elongate connector to a first piece ofathletic wear, the anchor point located at a first end of the elongateconnector and defining a point about which a second end of the elongateconnector is angularly displaceable; at least one locking point locatedon the first piece of athletic wear, the locking point reversiblymateable with a locking point coupler located at the second end of theelongate connector; at least one engagement point located on a secondpiece of athletic wear capable of reversibly engaging a portion of theelongate connector; whereby when the locking point coupler is mated tothe locking point, the elongate connector and engagement point hold thefirst and second pieces of athletic wear towards one another.
 2. Theclosure system for reversibly connecting interchangeable items ofathletic wear of claim 1 wherein the at least one elongate connector isa strap.
 3. The closure system for reversibly connecting interchangeableitems of athletic wear of claim 1 wherein the at least one elongateconnector is a lace.
 4. The closure system for reversibly connectinginterchangeable items of athletic wear of claim 2 wherein the at leastone elongate connector has an inner surface, an exterior surface, aproximal end, and a distal end, the anchor point located at the proximalend, and the locking point coupler located on the inner surface of thedistal end.
 5. The closure system for reversibly connectinginterchangeable items of athletic wear of claim 1 wherein a locking flapis connected to the first piece of athletic wear at an attachment pointadjacent the locking point, the locking flap having an interior surfaceand a reversibly mateable locking flap connector system, one half of thereversibly mateable locking flap connector system is disposed on theinterior surface of the flap opposite the attachment point and thecorresponding portion of the reversibly mateable locking flap connectorsystem is disposed on the first piece of athletic attire.
 6. The closuresystem for reversibly connecting interchangeable items of athletic wearof claim 1 wherein the at least one engagement point is a flexible loopdisposed on the second piece of athletic wear, the loop having at leastone distal end, a longitudinal length of material defining an aperturebetween the longitudinal length of material and the second piece ofathletic wear, and whereby the elongate connector engages the engagementpoint after being threaded through the aperture and angularly displacedaround the longitudinal length of material.
 7. The closure system forreversibly connecting interchangeable items of athletic wear of claim 6wherein the flexible loop is an adjustable length of continual lace, thecontinual lace disposed within the second piece of athletic wear, theflexible loop defined by a portion of the lace which exits apertures inthe second piece of athletic wear at distal ends of the flexible loop.8. The closure system of claim 1 wherein the at least one engagementpoint comprises a slit formed in the second piece of athletic wear, theslit defining an opening sized to receive the elongate connector, theslit having edges that border the opening sized to receive the elongateconnector, and the edges of the slits having reinforced portions toensure the elongate connector does not tear through the second piece ofathletic wear.
 9. The closure system for reversibly connectinginterchangeable items of athletic wear of claim 8 wherein the engagementpoint additionally comprises at least one engagement point loop attachedto the first piece of athletic wear at engagement loop anchor points,the engagement point loop sized to receive the at least one elongateconnector, the at least one slit receives the engagement loop, andwhereby when the elongate connector and engagement point hold the firstpiece of athletic wear towards the second piece of athletic wear, theengagement loop aids the process by engaging both the first piece ofathletic wear via the engagement loop anchor points and by engaging thesecond piece of athletic wear via the reinforced slits.
 10. The closuresystem for reversibly connecting interchangeable items of athletic wearof claim 1 wherein a plurality of engagement points are located on thefirst piece of athletic wear, and additionally a plurality of engagementpoints are located on the second piece of athletic wear, whereby the atleast one elongate connector threads through the plurality of engagementpoints in a zigzag pattern before the locking point coupler engages theat least one locking point.
 11. A closure system for reversiblyconnecting interchangeable items of athletic wear comprising: at leastone elongate connector attached to a first piece of athletic wear at ananchor point, the elongate connector having an inner surface andexterior surface, proximal and distal ends, a locking point couplerlocated at the distal end of the elongate connector, and the anchorpoint located at the proximal end of the elongate connector, the anchorpoint defining a first axis about which the elongate connector isangularly displaceable; at least one locking point attached to the firstpiece of athletic wear, the locking point reversibly mateable to thelocking point coupler; at least one engagement point defining agenerally longitudinal strip attached to the second piece of athleticwear at distal ends, the longitudinal strip and second piece of athleticwear defining an aperture sized to receive the elongate connector, thelongitudinal strip further defining a second axis about which theelongate connector is angularly displaceable; at least one locking flapattached to the first piece of athletic wear at an attachment point, thelocking flap having an interior surface; at least one set ofcorresponding reversibly mateable locking flap fasteners, one of thelocking flap fasteners located on the interior surface of the lockingflap opposite the locking flap fastener attachment point, the otherlocking flap fastener located on the first piece of athletic wearadjacent the locking point; whereby when the elongate connector isinserted through the aperture of the engagement point, angularlydisplaced around the axis defined by the longitudinal strip, and thelocking point and locking point coupler are mated, the elongateconnector and engagement point hold the first and second pieces ofathletic wear towards one another, and the interior surface of thelocking flap securely holds the locking point coupler against thelocking point.
 12. The closure system for reversibly connectinginterchangeable items of athletic wear of claim 11 wherein the elongateconnector is a strap of thin flexible material
 13. The closure systemfor reversibly connecting interchangeable items of athletic wear ofclaim 12 wherein the locking point and locking point coupler arecorresponding reversibly mateable portions of a hook and loopconnection.
 14. The closure system for reversibly connectinginterchangeable items of athletic wear of claim 12 wherein the lockingpoint and locking point coupler are corresponding reversibly mateableportions of a snap fastener connection.
 15. The closure system forreversibly connecting interchangeable items of athletic wear of claim 12wherein the locking point and locking point coupler are oppositelycharged magnets.
 16. The closure system for reversibly connectinginterchangeable items of athletic wear of claim 12 wherein the lockingpoint and locking point coupler are eye and hook fasteners.
 17. Theclosure system for reversibly connecting interchangeable items ofathletic wear of claim 12 wherein the locking point and locking pointcoupler are corresponding portions of a zippered connection.
 18. Theclosure system for reversibly connecting interchangeable items ofathletic wear of claim 12 wherein the locking point and locking pointcoupler are corresponding portions of a latch and track connectorsystem.
 19. The closure system for reversibly connecting interchangeableitems of athletic wear of claim 11 wherein the elongate connector is aloop of flexible material and the locking point is a toggle.
 20. A kitfor reversibly connecting items of athletic wear comprising: a pluralityof interchangeable athletic shorts having different characteristicsselected from the group of color, size, and patterns, each short having:at least one elongate connector having an anchor point attaching theelongate connector to the interchangeable shorts, the anchor pointlocated at a first end of the elongate connector and defining an axisabout which the elongate connector is angularly displaceable, and atleast one locking point located on each of the interchangeable shorts,the locking point reversibly mateable with a locking point couplerlocated at a second end of the elongate connector; a plurality ofinterchangeable athletic shirts having different characteristicsselected from the group of color, size, and patterns, where each shirthas at least one engagement point capable of reversibly engaging aportion of the elongate connector on the interchangeable shorts; andwhen the locking point coupler is mated to the locking point, theelongate connector and engagement point hold the interchangeable shortsand shirt towards one another.